The Best Spots for Live Music in Charlotte
Charlotte’s bustling music scene features intimate acoustic shows, stadium events, and everything in between — and whether you like rock, country, jazz, or blues, the Queen City has a spot for you. Here are the best places to see live music in Charlotte.
Big Stages, Big Names
Balmy summer nights are for music at PNC Music Pavilion. This sprawling outdoor amphitheater has a capacity of nearly 20,000 and has hosted legends like Paul McCartney, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. The big lawn is perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a Carolina evening, but make no mistake, state-of-the-art sound and lights will guarantee your next concert will be an unforgettable event.
The Spectrum Center, in the bustling heart of Uptown, is usually home to the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, but it’s also a great place to see arena-sized acts like Carrie Underwood and Celine Dion. With great acoustics and sightlines, it’s become a go-to for big shows — from catchy pop to sultry R&B, the Spectrum Center has something for everyone. It also benefits from a central location that makes it easy to catch a show and then grab a bite to eat at one of Uptown’s many restaurants.
Classic Charlotte Venues
Step into The Fillmore Charlotte, and you’ll instantly know you’ve entered a classic rock palace. This 2,000-capacity venue boasts crystal chandeliers, plush velvet drapes, hardwood floors, and plenty of nostalgic posters. (Not to mention so much swagger you can practically reach out and touch it.) The Fillmore has hosted everyone from B.B. King to up-and-coming indie bands, partly because a tiered layout means no matter where fans stand, they have a spectacular view.
The Fillmore is actually a renovated century-old textile mill, which means it has historical charm to spare. It’s also connected to the 800-capacity Underground, meaning it can host everything from established stars to emerging talent.
The Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre, meanwhile, offers the perfect balance of intimacy and atmosphere. With the Charlotte skyline as your backdrop in this outdoor venue, you’ll see country stars, indie darlings, and more — in 2,000 reserved seats, with space for 3,000 on the lawn.
It’s magical on warm summer nights when the city lights twinkle in the distance, and when you watch a show, you instantly get the sense that the Amphitheatre is just more “personal” than its bigger counterparts. The sloped lawn has great sightlines, too. Come early to grab dinner before the show in the attached entertainment complex, or stay late for a drink.
Small Stages, Big Talent
The Evening Muse feels like a permanent fixture of Charlotte’s artsy NoDa neighborhood — since 1999, the club has been a staple of the indie music scene.
The 120-capacity venue is known for its great acoustics and up-close-and-personal performances, making it a favorite with singer-songwriters and folkies. Don’t miss their Open Mic nights every Monday, where you can discover Charlotte’s next big thing — or even become a superstar yourself!
Another Charlotte institution, Amos’ Southend, is bigger than the Evening Muse, with a capacity of 750. It still feels intimate, however — at least until the crowd hits the dancefloor and tears the roof off. Situated near downtown Charlotte and Bank of America Stadium, Amos’ location would be a good enough reason to go, but it also holds its own when it comes to music, booking everything from high-energy rock and hip-hop to electronic and indie. Top-notch sound and lighting systems also mean every show is a great one.
Who’s Ready to Rock?
There’s nothing like a live show to help you fall in love with a city. So, get out there and start exploring Charlotte’s dynamic musical landscape — your next favorite band could be ready for you to discover.
